The War Court and Lap Pillow, Austria's Mandate of Heaven

Chapter 1595: Tearing Up the Treaty
Two weeks later, Deckwell was finally summoned by King Rama IV.

Bangkok afternoons are always very hot and humid, but a slight chill emanated from the main hall. However, this was not due to any supernatural power emanating from someone, but rather the power of Austrian Empire technology.

Several enormous and expensive air conditioners were a gift from Franz to Rama IV, once a symbol of friendship between the two countries. Rama IV had considered throwing them into the sea, but ultimately he gave up, as he simply couldn't live without these amazing machines.

King Rama IV did attempt to replicate it, but such complex machinery was too advanced for the blacksmiths and carpenters of Siam at that time.

Because of the air conditioning, Deckwell, dressed in a suit and tie, didn't seem so out of place.

"Your Majesty, please forgive my bluntness. The rubber monopoly agreement between our two countries still has 25 years remaining. Why is your country openly selling a trade commodity that should be exclusively owned by our country to other nations?"

King Rama IV walked slowly, wearing a golden robe draped over his left shoulder, beneath which was a white robe and a red pajamas.

This is a special garment of the Siamese royal family. The exposed right shoulder is a symbol of their mortal nature, intended to reflect their demigod-like qualities.

He spoke calmly and unhurriedly.

"Mr. Deckwell, haven't you read 'The Wealth of Nations'? It's all just business. Why be so calculating?"

I've always thought Austrians were very well-mannered. I once met your Emperor. Though young, he was a very elegant young man, and I think he would agree with my approach.

Rama IV's words contained a lot of information. On the one hand, he wanted to use Western books to whitewash his actions, and on the other hand, he wanted to use Franz to put pressure on the diplomat in front of him.

But whether it's "The Wealth of Nations" or Franz's possible ideas, they are mostly just sophistry and delaying tactics.

Decker smiled. As a low-ranking overseas official, he hadn't seen Franz much, but he had heard many rumors about His Majesty the Emperor. He didn't believe that such a person would easily give up the region he had painstakingly cultivated for many years.

If Franz really didn't care, he wouldn't have given him so many privileges, so Deckwell didn't doubt himself.

On the contrary, he felt that since the other party had stopped pretending, he didn't need to continue pretending either.

"Your Majesty, your country has unilaterally breached the contract. This is a breach of faith and a trampling on the sacred treaty between our two countries! Didn't the British book make this clear?"

King Rama IV looked up and stared directly at Dekwil. According to Siamese custom, Dekwil should have shown fear and looked away or bowed his head to show his respect.

King Rama IV also firmly believed that he possessed this divine power, and that when he looked at others, he would pierce their souls.

However, at this moment, Deckwell was staring intently into Rama IV's eyes, which displeased him somewhat, but a god should not concern himself with ants.

"This agreement is inherently unfair. At that time, my country of Siam was weak and had no choice but to agree to your proposal. However, today's Siam, although not as strong as your country, is not an easy opponent either."

The benefits of this rubber could have brought happiness to all people; how could it be seized by one country?
I shall open the door of convenience wide to benefit all nations.

Therefore, the previously signed agreement should be null and void.

Decker laughed in anger. He thought he and his so-called civilized people were hypocritical enough, but the King of Siam in front of him was even more hypocritical.

"Your Majesty, you were the one who took the initiative to sign the agreement with our country back then. How can it be as if our country forced you? Let me be frank."

Rubber involves our country's fundamental economic and military interests, and we cannot agree to your approach.

Your country originally did not have the species rubber. We brought rubber tree seeds from Europe, and sent agricultural experts to teach your farmers how to cultivate rubber trees.

Haven't we invested enough effort over the years? We've consistently purchased rubber from your country at above-average market prices, provided you with a large quantity of industrial and military products, and even trained numerous personnel for you. How should we account for all of this?
If you can rescind the order, I am willing to promise on behalf of His Majesty Franz Joseph I to increase the purchase price by another 20%.

What do you think? "

Seeing that Rama IV did not answer, Deckwell spoke again.

"If Your Majesty insists on breaching the agreement, the Austrian Empire will not refrain from responding with any means, including military action."

King Rama IV paused to think, as if he had made a difficult decision, and then spoke.

"I am willing to offer one million taels of silver to compensate your country for its losses. This is not out of fear, but out of sincere sincerity."

Decker felt that the other party was completely insulting him. One million taels of silver was at most a drop in the ocean for the Austrian Empire.

"Don't you have any sense of contractual obligation? Britain can run rampant in Burma, and our country is certainly capable of doing the same!"

Rama IV was prepared for the direct threat posed by Deckwell, or rather, he had been waiting for this moment.

"Since your country insists on this, I have nothing more to say."

Rama IV put a big X on the copy of the agreement that Deckwell brought and said sternly.

"see a visitor out!"

King Rama IV did not make things too difficult for Dekwell, which made Dekwell somewhat relieved. He immediately left the palace to go to Phnom Penh to discuss the next steps.

After Deckwell left, Rama IV summoned his courtiers who were hiding behind a curtain.

"Gentlemen, have you seen this? The Austrians are so rude, barbaric, and domineering. Relying on their superior ships and cannons, they want to turn Siam into their pasture. As the children of God, do you agree to this?"

"No!"

The voices of the ministers echoed in the main hall for a long time.

The vast majority of these ministers were young and ambitious, and xenophobic, so they naturally echoed their opinions. Even if someone disagreed, they dared not voice their opinion.

"Very well! If fate decrees that Siam should be humiliated, we will not fear even if we fight to the last man! But if fate decrees that Siam should be independent, I, Rama IV, hereby swear to Buddha that I will make Siam stand at the pinnacle of the world's nations, using all the world's countries as pawns, and controlling the world!"

As soon as Rama IV uttered these bold words, everyone in the hall immediately knelt down, followed by shouts of "Long live the King!"

In fact, King Rama IV genuinely wanted to achieve something significant. His efforts to establish diplomatic relations with other countries and develop trade were all aimed at giving Thailand a chance to participate in the global arena.

He wasn't too worried about possible retaliation from the Austrian Empire; in fact, Rama IV had already received promises from the British, French, and Portuguese.

If the Austrian Empire dared to attack Siam, the three kingdoms would use the pretext of protecting trade to strike the Austrian expeditionary force.

The British have already dispatched 2,000 troops to establish a military base in Bangkok, ready to respond to any possible retaliation from the Austrian Empire.

However, both Rama IV and the ministers of Britain, France and Portugal felt that the possibility of Austria retaliating against Siam was unlikely, after all, Austria was thousands of miles away from Siam.