Chapter 0697: Rejection

"Your Excellency, the Far East is too distant for Germany to effectively safeguard its interests there. Our nation can become your loyal ally, ensuring Germany's interests in the Far East. This would undoubtedly be highly beneficial for both our nations. Furthermore, our attack on British colonies would weaken British power, greatly assisting Germany in its efforts to defeat Britain!" The smile on Uchida Kōya's face had completely faded.

Despite the discomfort of having his motives exposed by Jacob, Uchida Kōya swallowed his embarrassment. The scornful tone and expression he faced were almost insulting, but his duty compelled him to remain calm and attempt, as best as he could, to persuade the Germans. Though he knew it was an almost impossible task, he had no choice but to try.

Jacob regarded Uchida Kōya with disdain, finding the mindset of the Japanese almost incomprehensible.

"Though the Far East is indeed far from the Empire's shores, the Empire boasts the world's most powerful navy. After defeating Britain, we can march into the Far East and gradually reclaim those colonies without relying on others. Therefore, we cannot accept your demands," Jacob stated.

"Your Excellency, should this not be reported to your government? Perhaps they will consider it differently," Uchida Kōya continued his final attempt.

"Hmph! I will report it to the homeland. But I am certain that our government will never approve of such unreasonable demands," Jacob responded coldly. The audacity of the Japanese was truly infuriating.

"Then I will take my leave. I hope your government understands the sincerity of our intentions," Uchida Kōya said, rising and bowing to Jacob before departing.

Jacob watched Uchida Kōya's retreating figure with visible distaste. 

"Now I understand why His Majesty dislikes the Japanese so much. I never thought humans could be so shameless. The Japanese truly are despicable. I will have to be more cautious in future dealings with them," Jacob thought to himself, before promptly reporting the outcome of the meeting to the homeland.

Upon receiving Jacob's telegram, Foreign Minister von Kidderlin-Wachte was equally taken aback. He shared Jacob's bewilderment, wondering if the Japanese had gone mad. How dare they try to seize the colonies that were about to belong to the German Empire after such a bloody struggle with Britain? They were far too presumptuous.

The next day, during the court meeting, Wachte reported the news to QinTian.

"The Japanese are clearly restless. Seeing the Empire acquire so many colonies, they must be envious. But what surprises me is why they think the Empire would ever agree to their terms?" QinTian asked. Though he was familiar with the Japanese nature, he too was stunned by their audacity. The German Empire now had the world's most formidable army and navy, and even though the Japanese were far from the Empire, Germany could easily annihilate them at a whim.

"Your Majesty, perhaps the Japanese view the Empire as the Russia of ten years ago, believing that the Empire, being so far away, cannot touch them. That is why they dared to make such demands," Prime Minister Bilot suggested.

QinTian nodded. Regardless of the Japanese's reasoning, there was no doubt that their arrogance was beyond measure.

"Your Majesty, it seems the Japanese are attempting to extort us. I propose that we send an expeditionary force to the Japanese islands, so they can see the strength of the Empire!" Marshal von Falkenhayn, the Minister of the Army and Chief of the General Staff, suggested.

"Right now, the Empire's focus should be on the upcoming campaign against Britain. The Japanese are nothing more than a nuisance. We simply need to reject their unreasonable demands. They should understand the Empire's might and think twice before acting," Prime Minister Bilot advised.

QinTian shook his head. "Prime Minister, perhaps you don't fully understand the Japanese obsession. Once they set their minds on something, they won't let go easily. If they are determined to seize the British colonies in the Far East, they will act on it regardless of our rejection. They may even escalate their actions against our colonies."

At once, the expressions of the Empire's ministers turned grave.

"Your Majesty, if the Japanese truly dare to do that, it will be their undoing. The Empire must punish them severely. Otherwise, the Empire's prestige will be greatly harmed!" Admiral Tirpitz, the Minister of the Navy, said.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Once the Empire wins this war, it will become the world's hegemon. If we allow the Japanese to provoke us like this, our position as the global leader will be questioned. This situation cannot be allowed to happen. We have worked too hard to secure the Empire's victory in this war, and we cannot let our hegemony be undermined," Marshal von Falkenhayn added.

"Your Majesty, the Japanese must be made to pay for their insolence. They must learn the Empire's strength," Prime Minister Bilot agreed.

"With the Empire's power, a small force can easily defeat the Japanese without affecting our campaign against Britain!" Foreign Minister Wachte also chimed in.

QinTian nodded. The ministers' opinions had unified.

"Let the Ambassador to Switzerland reject the Japanese. Let them know that the Empire will not yield to their coercion. Should they dare to attack any colony that belongs or is about to belong to the Empire, we will punish them!" QinTian declared.

"Yes, Your Majesty," the ministers replied in unison.

"Your Majesty, the Japanese have occupied our colonies in the Pacific. We must demand their return and compensation," Wachte reminded.

"Indeed, we must insist on this. Have the Ambassador to Switzerland tell the Japanese to return the Empire's colonies and pay compensation. As for their desire to join the Allies, that is absolutely impossible!" QinTian concluded.