Chapter 720
The night fell like a piece of velvet soaked in ink, pressing heavily on the sky above London. Fine mist condensed on the window glass of the Chinese Embassy's conference room, turning the street lights outside the window into a blurry orange.
Inside the room, the light from the incandescent lamp was a bit dazzling. Several people who had visited the Gray family today were sitting together, reviewing their first contact with the Charles family.
"Sir Grey was obviously forced to sit at the negotiating table. He only cares about two things: money and face," Counselor Lin's assistant analyzed.
Legal advisor Lawyer Wang pushed his glasses:
"From a legal perspective, it is difficult to prove that those cultural relics were illegally looted.
International law in 1900 was completely different from what it is today, and war spoils were considered legal spoils of war by many countries.
At least, in the Eagle Country, it is even a symbol of glory, proving that they once defeated the Oriental Lions. "
Counselor Lin nodded:
"That's why we have to adopt the honor exchange strategy proposed by classmate Su to give the Charles family a decent way out. The key is the amount of compensation. We can't give much."
Hu Xiaodie has been in close contact with the Gray family and has also found out a little bit, reporting:
"I heard Mr. and Mrs. Gray talking earlier, and it seemed they wanted to ask for £150,000."
Counselor Lin frowned and said, "Although 150,000 pounds is only a fraction of the auction price of the cultural relics, it is nearly 810,000 yuan according to the exchange rate.
Although special appropriations were set up in 1980, the repurchase of major cultural relics can be made using the "Special Fund for the Rescue of Precious Cultural Relics" after obtaining special approval from the State Council or the Ministry of Culture.
But now that the Asian Games have just ended, foreign exchange is tight and every penny must be spent wisely, which is really stretching the budget.
Director Zhang gave me a heads-up before I came here, saying that if we could get £100,000 for this deal, it would be considered a good deal.”
There was silence in the conference room. The national treasure was right in front of them, but they were short of money and faced difficulties.
Lawyer Wang suggested, "Can we add something more, perhaps with an honorary title? For example, invite them to visit China and see the Forbidden City?"
Counselor Lin's eyes lit up. "That's a good idea. Sir Grey cares most about social status. If we can arrange for them to meet with high-level officials and even get media coverage, it might be more attractive to him than money."
Just then, a staff member hurried in and handed Counselor Lin a fax.
After Counselor Lin took a quick look, his expression became even more serious.
"The capital has replied. As I said earlier, they agree with our proposal in principle, but funds are indeed tight, and they can only provide a maximum of 100,000 pounds.
It seems we have to haggle with Sir Grey."
After the meeting, Counselor Lin stood alone at the embassy window, looking at the gloomy night sky in London.
He knew that time was running out. Hu Xiaodie reported that unidentified people had been approaching the Gray family recently.
According to their family's current social status, it is not common, and it would be troublesome if those people wanted to inquire about Ru kiln porcelain.
Three days later, Counselor Lin continued to lead his men to the Gray family's castle.
This time, they brought a more sincere and detailed plan.
Counselor Lin got straight to the point:
"Sir Grey, today, on behalf of the embassy, I formally propose that your family return the Chinese cultural relics to the Chinese government.
In return, our Ministry of Culture will award your family the title of "China-Eagle Cultural Exchange Pioneer" and report on it in official media;
Provide £100,000 in compensation for the storage and transportation of cultural relics;
At the same time, we invite you and your family to visit Beijing next summer. We will arrange for you to visit cultural sites such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, and meet with important figures in the Chinese cultural community. All expenses will be covered by us."
Sir Grey was very tempted by the other conditions, but when he heard that the compensation was only 100,000 pounds, he frowned instantly:
"100,000 pounds? Mr. Lin, you must be kidding! Any one of those artifacts could fetch ten times that much at an auction!"
"Father..." Charles tried to interrupt, but was stopped by a look from Sir Grey.
Counselor Lin said calmly:
"Your Excellency, you are right. If these cultural relics were taken to an auction house, they would indeed be able to fetch a good price.
But please consider the reality: these cultural relics entering the international auction market are bound to cause provenance disputes;
Once the source is confirmed, the Grey family will face public pressure. At the dawn of the 21st century, who would be willing to publicly defend colonial plunder?
Furthermore, at a time when our two countries are strengthening exchanges and cooperation, the auction may bring wealth to your family, but it goes against the general direction of the upper echelons. I'm afraid that your wish to restore your family's glory will be even more difficult to achieve in the future."
Sir Grey's face turned livid, but Counselor Lin knew he had to get his point across:
"On the contrary, if you agree to our plan, the Grey family will obtain the status of cultural exchange envoys officially recognized by China, which will be of great benefit to rebuilding your family's reputation."
Mrs. Grey gently pressed her husband's arm:
“Henry, what Mr. Lin said makes sense. We are not businessmen and should not bargain like an auction house.
These cultural relics never belonged to us in the first place. Now we have the opportunity to do the right thing and gain respect and friendship. As far as I know, after the establishment of the new Chinese government, few Westerners have been treated with official courtesy. If we can..."
"One hundred and thirty thousand pounds," Sir Grey said suddenly, his voice low. "Not a penny less. We need this money to repair the estate and pay various taxes and fees."
Counsellor Lin exchanged worried glances with his colleagues. The gap of 30,000 pounds between 100,000 and 130,000 was like an insurmountable chasm.
He took a deep breath and said, "Sir, could you give us a few days to consider this?"
Sir Grey nodded, and today's consultation came to an end.
Two days later at University A, Professor Wen told Su Miao and Counselor Lin about their progress after class:
"I heard from Director Zhang that the 'honor exchange' plan has entered the substantive negotiation stage. But now there's a problem. The Grey family insists on 130,000 pounds in compensation, but the Cultural Heritage Bureau has only approved 100,000 pounds."
Su Miao's heart sank: "Then...will the negotiations break down?"
Professor Wen sighed, "We're still trying to get it. I heard that with Counselor Lin's efforts, the embassy was able to free up 20,000 pounds, but there's still a gap of 10,000.
Under normal circumstances, we can raise funds from overseas Chinese in Eagle, and this gap is nothing.
But the trouble is, in order to prevent anyone from intercepting it, this matter must be kept confidential. After all, such a treasure is coveted by all parties."
Su Miao muttered in his heart: "Ten thousand pounds..."
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