1977: The beginning of the blind date with the daughter of the king

Chapter 687 Good Cop, Bad Cop!

In the reception room, Li Changhe met the newly appointed Governor of Hong Kong, Edward Youde, for the first time.

Good afternoon, Bao!

"This handsome and dashing young man must be your nephew Victor, right?"

Bao Yugang smiled brightly at You De's enthusiasm.

"Good afternoon, Your Excellency Governor. Yes, this is my nephew, Victor."

"Greetings, Your Excellency the Governor."

Li Changhe also greeted them at the opportune moment.

"Come on, sit down!"

“Bao, Victor, actually, the reason I met with you today is to discuss the issues concerning Hong Kong Island.”

"This is also the most important issue I have to address since I came to Hong Kong Island to take office. We are getting very close to 1997, and we must face this issue squarely."

After taking their seats, Youde didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point, speaking earnestly to Bao Yugang and Li Changhe.

After listening, Bao Yu smiled slightly and said, "Your Excellency, shouldn't this be a matter for you to discuss with the government of the northern mainland?"

"Yes, in principle, this is a matter for us to negotiate with the mainland government, but I think the will of the people of Hong Kong Island is also very important in this process."

“Especially for wealthy Chinese businessmen like you, we all feel that your ideas are crucial to the future of Hong Kong Island.”

Upon hearing this, Li Changhe couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

It seems the other side is planning to play the so-called "public opinion" card, using the rhetoric of "public opinion" in Hong Kong to force Beijing to make concessions.

Although he knew the truth in his heart, he remained outwardly calm and didn't say a word, simply pretending to listen attentively.

Bao Yugang was also very tactful. In such a matter, how could he possibly reveal his true intentions? So he played coy with Youde and Shen Bi.

Seeing this, Yude couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

MacLehose is right; this father and son, who are now very influential in Hong Kong, are indeed two cunning individuals.

“Bao, I think I can be more direct about some things. Hong Kong Island has always been an extremely special place for the Kingdom. We have always devoted all our efforts and resources to it.”

"Especially since Governor MacLehose, we have always treated British and Chinese businesses on Hong Kong Island equally, and you know this best."

"Going forward, we will continue to uphold this policy. In fact, I have already discussed this with Sir Michael Sandberg. The Government's strategy for the future development of Hong Kong Island is to delegate authority."

"Business matters should naturally be resolved through business means. In addition to maintaining the most basic business order, the Government House will try its best to minimize the influence of politics on business. I think this will be a unique advantage of Hong Kong Island."

"I believe that the capital would absolutely not provide such an environment."

"The development of commerce inevitably relies on a suitable environment. You should understand that only in the British soil can you maintain your wealth and even take it a step further."

"I think you two are well aware of this. I spent many years in the capital, and they don't approve of commercial capital."

“Even though they have made some changes in the past two years, their system is fundamentally designed for industry and commerce. If Hong Kong Island returns to their hands, it will be difficult to guarantee the safety of your family business.”

"I think Bao knows this best. Thirty years ago, many people believed them and stayed on the mainland, and what became of them?"

At this moment, Youde spoke to Bao Yugang and Li Changhe with a serious expression.

Yud's words were a combination of soft and hard tactics.

At the beginning, the two men were promised that in the future, the commercial market on Hong Kong Island would be completely open to capitalists, except for basic government regulations.

This was the bait that the Hong Kong Government, or rather the British, offered to Y.K. Pao, or to wealthy Chinese like Y.K. Pao.

On the other hand, they have begun to smear the mainland's system and use history to prove that capitalists are not well received in the mainland, thereby shaking the minds of wealthy Chinese.

Bao Yugang naturally understood the meaning behind Youdehu's words, and could only smile wryly and say, "Your Excellency, what you said makes a lot of sense."

Some of the descriptions are true, and he has no way to refute them.

Seeing Bao Yugang's attitude, Li Changhe knew it was time for him to take action.

Bao Yugang was an honest man, and in matters of politics and diplomacy, he was easily manipulated by Youde.

“Your Excellency, my uncle and I understand what you mean. In fact, we are also at a loss about the future of Hong Kong Island. The governance of the Governor’s Office is indeed very effective. The development and changes of Hong Kong Island in recent years are undeniable, and everyone knows this.”

"But I'm just curious about one thing, which is that sovereignty is often a core issue for a country."

"If the negotiations between Beijing and Britain fail and they decide to take back Hong Kong by force, I wonder if Your Excellency has the confidence to defend Hong Kong Island?"

“Hong Kong Island is too close to the mainland. They don’t even need to take a ship to bring in hundreds of thousands or millions of troops and a massive armored force. Under these circumstances, can Britain continue to guarantee the safety of Hong Kong Island?”

At this moment, Li Changhe pointed out the most crucial issue without hesitation.

Can Great Britain withstand the iron torrent of the mainland army?

Upon hearing Li Changhe's question, Youde and Shen Bi's expressions changed. In fact, this was the issue that they, or rather, the entire Downing Street, were most worried about.

In recent years, the mainland has been able to strike wherever it wants, and attack anyone who dares to disobey.

From the 17-nation coalition on the Korean Peninsula, to India in South Asia, to the US military in Vietnam, and then to Vietnam, which rapidly expanded after defeating the US a couple of years prior and subsequently signed an alliance treaty with the Soviet Union.

Anyone in the vicinity who dared to bare their teeth would inevitably get beaten up.

Even the Soviet army, which was considered invincible in the 1960s and 70s, was willing to fight without hesitation and without fear.

Therefore, when Li Changhe raised this question, Youde and Shen Bi remained silent.

“Your Excellency, neither my uncle nor I would deny Britain’s contributions to Hong Kong Island, but that is not a reason for us to risk making a public decision.”

"We all know that the core issue in Hong Kong has never been about negotiations, but about the military balance between the two sides."

"Truth lies only within the range of cannons."

"These are the words that Bismarck, the Iron Chancellor of the First German Empire, said in a speech in the Prussian House of Commons. This is also the source of confidence in diplomatic competition between countries."

"Weak countries have no diplomacy; only strong countries can negotiate on an equal footing. Nowadays, both Britain and the mainland can be considered strong countries. However, in my view, Britain is an economic powerhouse, while the mainland is a military powerhouse."

There is an old saying in Chinese history: "When a scholar encounters a soldier, reason is useless."

"This is the situation on Hong Kong Island as I see it now."

"No one can guarantee that Beijing will not use force to take back Hong Kong Island, which is our biggest concern." "As a diplomat, you should know that as long as we do not openly oppose the mainland, we have room to maneuver no matter how bad the situation becomes."

"But conversely, if we stand firmly on your side, our entire family will have no way out."

"If things really change, Your Excellency the Governor and Mr. Smythe, as British citizens, will be able to return to London safely, but our entire family will probably not be so lucky."

“Even if our people are guaranteed safety, we will likely lose all our family businesses and wealth.”

"Therefore, Your Excellency, Mr. Sir Michael Sandberg, I understand your intentions, but please forgive me for not being able to cooperate with Downing Street's strategy. On the surface, we will not make any statements regarding the situation on Hong Kong Island."

"But that doesn't mean we don't care about the issues in Hong Kong. In fact, because of my uncle's business, he still receives preferential treatment from high-ranking officials in Beijing."

"Including myself, I have also made a lot of investments in the mainland in the past two years. Our family is also very concerned about the future of Hong Kong Island. We can also act as intermediaries in the negotiations between the two sides and strive to create the most suitable future for both countries and for Hong Kong Island."

"After all, this is not only for Hong Kong Island, but also for our own interests."

Li Changhe then spoke seriously.

Don't even dream about getting them to publicly voice their support.

However, Li Changhe didn't completely condemn them; he gave them a hint that he could pass on a message to them.

Bao Yugang has the status and strength to achieve this.

Upon hearing Li Changhe's words, Youde and Shen Bi exchanged a glance and then began to ponder.

The main problem is that they can't find a reason to refute Li Changhe.

To assure the Bao family that Hong Kong Island could withstand the mainland's military might?
Stop bullshitting!

“Vic, you underestimate the Kingdom’s strength. We are not only an economic powerhouse, but the Kingdom’s military strength remains formidable. You should know about the recently concluded Marsvina Islands War.”

At this point, Yud wanted to continue using the Falklands War as a pretext.

Li Changhe smiled and shook his head: "Your Excellency, please allow me to interrupt."

"I have business investments in the United States and France, and I have a good personal relationship with both Mitterrand and President Rijksmund."

Shen Bi, standing to the side, felt an urge to cover his face.

My governor, what can't you say? Why bring up the Falklands War?
Others may not know how Great Britain won, but Sim Bi knew, and Victor certainly did.

Whether it's France or the United States, his network of connections is very deep; it would be strange if Britain's little scheme could be kept from him.

Yu De, who was standing to the side, was initially displeased when he heard Li Changhe's interruption, but now he also felt a little embarrassed.

However, he quickly adjusted his mindset. After all, being a diplomat, having a thick skin is a basic skill.

“Vic, I know what you mean, but my point is that the kingdom’s army is still not to be underestimated.”

"The war you are worried about is a lose-lose situation for the capital, which I think is something they don't want to see."

"In my opinion, the solution to the Hong Kong Island issue ultimately lies in the negotiation table, not in war."

"However, I acknowledge your concerns and understand your difficulties."

Yude also started to save face, after all, Li Changhe had made it very clear that they had no chance to speak up!

"Thank you for your understanding, Your Excellency. We had no other choice but to make this decision."

"After all, what we are carrying now is not only the family's assets, but also the future of many family members, as well as the future fate of many employees of companies such as Worldwide Shipping and Wharf Holdings."

Seeing that Li Changhe had played the bad cop, Bao Yugang naturally took over as the good cop.

After receiving a clear reply from Mr. Bao, Youde had no intention of continuing the conversation with the two of them.

Bao Yugang was also clever; he quickly found an excuse and left with Li Changhe.

After Bao Yugang and Li Changhe left, Youde looked at Shen Bi and shook his head.

“Mike, you’re right. Those two are indeed difficult to deal with, especially that Victor. I don’t think he has much respect for us.”

Shen Bi sighed: "Yes, Your Excellency, this young man's vision is too broad."

“Unlike many Chinese families on Hong Kong Island, his business empire has never been confined to Hong Kong Island. Apart from Hong Kong Land, he does not have many core businesses on Hong Kong Island.”

“Many times, I feel that he actually looks down on this place. His career is focused on the United States and Europe.”

“I agree with His Excellency MacLehose’s previous point of view. Victor is indeed a representative of the young people on Hong Kong Island, but the problem is that he is also a bit different from traditional Chinese people. He has not experienced the glory of Britain.”

"This is the biggest difference between him and other Chinese families on Hong Kong Island."

“People like Li Jiacheng felt the glory of Great Britain back then, so they had a sense of recognition and awe for Great Britain, which is something that Victor completely lacks.”

"From his exchange with you just now, it's clear that his willingness to interrupt you without restraint demonstrates a kind of fearlessness!"

Shen Bi shook his head helplessly at this moment.

He didn't really recommend that Yud win over Li Changhe, but Yud had talked to Mai Lihao before, and Yud agreed with Mai Lihao's advice.

This is also why Youde was so determined to see Li Changhe.

"However, it wasn't a complete loss. At least we learned the true attitude of the Bao family. They wanted to play both sides, which is a major victory for us."

"In the diplomatic field, those who can play both sides often mean that they are one of our own, and not opposing them is tantamount to approval."

"But for a country like the University of Tokyo, they really dislike people who waver between right and wrong."

"They value loyalty, and I saw that very clearly during my years in Beijing."

Yud said confidently at this moment.

Shen Bi nodded in agreement, agreeing with this point as well.

Just like Li Jiacheng, although the other party chose his side, they were also unwilling to publicly take sides. This may be the cultural concept of Chinese people.

They call this the Doctrine of the Mean?
A term from classical Chinese culture came to mind for Shen Bi.

On the other side, Bao Yugang, who came out of the reception room, also brought Li Changhe to a group of wealthy Chinese people.

(End of this chapter)