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Chapter 1200 Turning enemies into friends
"Peace talks? Your Majesty is ready to make peace with the Ottoman Sultan? Please forgive me for being frank, but I'm afraid Murad IV will not listen to my personal opinion on this issue."

Gallas was known as the Austrian Field Marshal, and he was definitely not a simple-minded person. He rejected the proposal without much thought. If the Ottomans and the Ming Dynasty negotiated peace, then the European mercenaries would become rags, and would have no use at all.

Even if he was willing, Ferdinand III and the Republic of Venice would not agree. If he offended them, even if he was released, he would not be treated well. He might even be blamed for the defeat and put the blame on himself. This deal was too bad.

“No, no, no, it has nothing to do with Murad IV. It’s a peace talk between the Holy Roman Empire or the Republic of Venice and the Ming Empire.

Geographically, the two sides have no borders at all, let alone territorial disputes; in terms of business, goods from the East and the West need to circulate between each other to create value. Not only are they not enemies, but they should also be partners.

After much thought, I don’t think we need to continue to be hostile. This is not good for either of us. On the contrary, cooperation can lead to a win-win situation.”

Galas's reaction was not unexpected to Hong Tao. If he had agreed immediately, it would have been very abnormal. Next, it was time to talk about reason and facts. After all, it was all about interests. We couldn't do anything else, so making money together was the best way to gain experience. It was all fabricated to deceive people. Every word was true.

"...win-win... this is a very exciting term. Since Your Majesty is the victor, I am willing to hear the terms of the peace talks first."

Gallas was already curious about the fact that the Ming Emperor could speak fluent Latin. Now he heard a new phrase that he had never heard before. He thought about it carefully and found it to be very appropriate.

At this point we have to talk about the issue of talent. His hometown is in Italy, very close to the city-state of Venice. He has been exposed to a strong business culture since he was a child. He also knows many Venetian merchants and is no stranger to the negotiation process.

"I have heard a little about the war between the Ottomans and Europe. As a bystander, I had no obvious preference. But now it is different. Murad IV's provocative behavior has seriously damaged the interests of the empire. From the perspective of the Ming Empire, the Ottomans are evil.

I believe that the Ming Empire, the Holy Roman Empire, and even many European countries can reach a consensus on their attitude towards the Ottomans.

With this foundation, the next thing will be easier to carry out. On behalf of the Ming Empire, I morally support the restoration of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. In return, the future Kingdom of Jerusalem should ensure that trade routes and ports are open to Ming goods, while also having the responsibility to protect them.

To put it simply, the Ming Empire, the Holy Roman Empire and the local peace-loving people should jointly maintain the smooth flow of this trade route, jointly resist the destruction from evil forces, and work together to create a new pattern in West Asia! "

Speaking of conditions, that's even simpler. Hong Tao stood up with his hands on the table, facing the large map, talking and pointing, his emotions became more and more excited, his eyes gleamed brightly, and his voice gradually rose.

"Well... As an individual, I think your Majesty's plan is very grand and very constructive. But whether it can be finally realized still needs the approval and authorization of Emperor Ferdinand III. If your Majesty has any needs, my family and I will be happy to serve you."

In Galas' eyes, the Ming emperor at this time was no different from many European monarchs. They all had a natural neurosis and hysteria, which would be more obvious especially when they were proud.

However, it also shows that the emperor is not just talking nonsense, but speaking from the heart. Then he must express his position. Whether as an army marshal, a captive, or an investor in the Venetian city-state, the only attitude is support! If this matter is negotiated, the benefits are obvious. The Dutch and Portuguese have controlled the maritime trade between the East and the West for many years and are very rich. If he can also share a share of the land trade route, his personal and family wealth will definitely increase significantly.

The only chance to squeeze into this feast is to promote peace talks and to establish good relations with the Eastern emperor. The latter is especially important. With the help of this emperor, maybe he can work hard towards the throne of the future King of Jerusalem.

"It's very simple. Take my intentions back to Venice and Vienna intact, and explain them in detail to those who are qualified to make the decision. If this task can be accomplished, the Ming army will never capture an Austrian marshal, let alone know who the Duke of Lucera is."

Since everyone was very happy to serve, Hong Tao stopped beating around the bush and immediately revealed his cards.

"..." This was a condition that Galas had never dared to think of. Since the moment he was captured, he had been calculating the gains and losses in his mind all the time. His highest hope was to receive relatively favorable treatment and not be sold as a slave like ordinary soldiers.

But now there is another opportunity in front of him. Seizing it can not only save his life, but also maintain his identity and dignity. If he does not return to the Vienna court as a prisoner, even if he suffers a defeat, it will not have much impact.

Moreover, he brought back a peace proposal that would surprise Ferdinand III, the Doge of Venice, and the councilors, so this defeat was not a stain. If the peace talks could be implemented and the Kingdom of Jerusalem was really revived, he might even become a great hero in the Christian world.

"Your Majesty, are you really going to release me?" Perhaps the conditions offered by Hong Tao were too generous, and Galas simply couldn't believe it.

"Unless Your Excellency the Marshal intends to return to the East with me to meet his Italian fellows living there." Just by looking at Galas' flushed face and his obviously heaving chest and abdomen, Hong Tao knew that he had almost succeeded.

In fact, if you put yourself in this situation, the situation will be similar. People are selfish. When faced with a life-and-death situation, you may be able to grit your teeth and hold on. But if you add huge gains and losses in reputation, status, and interests, the options are almost limited.

"I, Matthias Gallas of Trento, Austrian Field Marshal, Duke of Lucerne, swear to God that I will do my best to facilitate peace talks and prevent more lives from being lost in this meaningless war!"

Gallas had heard that several Italian scholars had gone to the East, but he didn't know who they were, let alone who they were. He was in no mood to ask, so he quickly stood up, made the sign of the cross, and placed one hand on his chest in a pious manner.

"Then time is running out. I will not stay any longer. Your Excellency Marshal can leave with your entourage and all weapons and equipment. The Ming army will provide escort, but only to the edge of the swamp. Good luck!"

Although Hong Tao didn't believe in oaths at all, he still patiently listened to the not-too-short prayer, then nodded to the flat-headed brother and stood up first to show him off.

(End of this chapter)