Lincoln did not expect that Li Zhen would come to visit him in person. A trace of doubt flashed in his eyes, but he still said without hesitation: "Please ask President Li to wait in the living room. I will be here soon."
The soldier nodded and turned to deliver the message.
Lincoln's eyes turned to Seward and asked: "Mr. Seward, what do you think Li Zhen's purpose is for visiting at this juncture?"
Siward thought about it carefully and said: "What could be happening is just to get us to let Hong Yi go. Li Zhen carefully planned the affairs of the Peters and his wife, causing San Francisco to become a mess. Now, Li Zhen After achieving the goal, of course we have to show off, but the matter of Peter and his wife is just a small thing, just a petition from the people. As long as we grit our teeth, we can still withstand it."
He said to himself, "Powell, you are the Secretary of State, not the person in charge of San Francisco, of course it doesn't matter."
However, as the mayor of San Francisco, Powell was under so much pressure that he could hardly breathe, and all the gray hair on his head turned white, like strands of silver. Not only that, Powell did not dare to go out. Because once you meet someone you know, you will definitely criticize him verbally. Even Powell's family members began to criticize Powell.
Powell wanted to explain, but couldn't, so he had to endure it silently.
Such a result is what Powell does not want to see. Now Seward still insists. Powell has ten thousand disagreements in his heart, but is it useful to disagree? He is the Secretary of State and has great power. He is just a small mayor.
Even if you want to object, you can't do anything.
Powell took a deep breath and said with a frustrated look: "Please, Your Excellency the Secretary of State and Your Excellency the President, handle this matter as soon as possible. Otherwise, if it delays for a while, I will have no choice but to resign."
Lincoln said: "Mr. Powell, hold on, we will win."
After a pause, Lincoln said: "Let's go and meet Li Zhen."
The three people got up and left and came to the living room. Lincoln shook hands with Li Zhen, and then the guests and hosts took their seats. Lincoln said calmly: "President Li, is there anything you can do when you come here this time?"
Li Zhen said: "People of the Ming Dynasty do not speak secret words. I am here this time to ask Mr. President to release Hong Yi, a Chinese citizen. He was forced to kill in self-defense, not intentionally."
Siward said coldly: "According to the law, he cannot be released."
Li Zhen raised the corners of his mouth and said in a neutral tone: "There was the murder of Peter and his wife and his family, and now there's the Hong Yi incident. It's really a mess. Your Excellency, Secretary of State, should take a hard look at the country's rule of law. If the interests of the people cannot be protected, the foundation of the country will be unstable. There is an old Chinese saying that the one who wins the hearts of the people wins the world. If the people do not recognize the government, then the government may not be able to maintain it."
After a pause, Li Zhen continued: "As the saying goes, water can carry a boat or capsize it. People are just inconspicuous currents that can carry a big ship like the government. Similarly, people can also set off huge waves and cause huge waves. I think Sir Siward should think more about Hong Yi’s affairs and not do things with emotions.”
Even though he was old, Siward was lectured by Li Zhen, and he became even more angry. He roared loudly: "Don't think I don't know. Everything about Peter and his wife was fabricated by you, Li Zhen. After we investigate thoroughly, , it must make you realize that the laws of the U.S. government cannot be trampled upon."
Li Zhen said: "According to American law, what you just said is slander. I can sue you for libel. What happened to Peter and his wife is true. I did not fabricate it. Besides, there are so many photos to prove it. Is this false?" Is that so?"
With one sentence, Siward was immediately stunned.
Yes, Siward still has an impression of the bloody appearance in the photo.
Lincoln changed the subject and said with a smile: "President Li, Hong Yi has indeed violated the law and cannot be released for the time being. President Li, please rest assured that we will definitely find out what happened to Hong Yi. If Hong Yi really accidentally killed someone, we will Hong Yi will be given justice, but Hong Yi cannot be released for the time being and must stay to cooperate with our investigation."
Li Zhen smiled coldly, and the delay was quite good.
If Li Zhen really believes it, he is a fool.
Li Zhen shook his head and said: "Mr. President, the matter of Peter and his wife, as well as the matter of Hong Yi, has caused a stir in the city. Even Mr. Powell has encountered various grievances. In my opinion, it would be good for Mr. President to release Hong Yi as soon as possible. It’s good for the Secretary of State, it’s good for Mayor Powell, it’s good for me and, of course, it’s good for the United States. This is something that everyone is happy with.”
"impossible."
Siward glared at Li Zhen and refused.
Seeing that the other party was not letting go, Li Zhen said in a deep voice: "Everyone, do you remember what I once said? National turmoil is not a joke."
Lincoln raised his eyebrows, a flash of thought flashing in his eyes.
Li Zhen continued: "What is happening now is only Mr. Powell who is feeling uncomfortable. Mr. President and the Secretary of State have not reached the point of being overwhelmed. If this matter is not ended as soon as possible and allowed to develop, it will definitely be out of control in the end. According to my speculation, there may be something more turbulent next, involving both the President and the Secretary of State, and the United States will also be affected by Hong Yi's small incident."
Siward said: "Are you threatening us?"
Li Zhen's expression remained calm, and he could not see any thoughts. He shook his head and said calmly: "It's not a threat. I'm just speculating on this matter for you from your standpoint. Please don't misunderstand me."
Powell said: "Your Excellency, Secretary of State, this..."
As soon as he opened his mouth, Siward interrupted: "No need to persuade, I don't believe there is anything bigger."
Lincoln also felt suspicious in his heart, but when he thought that if Hong Yi was really released, he couldn't bear it. He nodded and said: "President Li, I will wait and see what you speculate."
"In that case, let's wait and see who can have the last laugh."
Li Zhen stood up to say goodbye and left quickly.
Powell looked at Li Zhen's leaving figure, and his heart beat uncontrollably.
Can he withstand the coming storm?
Siward looked unconcerned, with anger flashing in his eyes, and said loudly: "Li Zhen is really arrogant, hum, I want to see what he can do. We have absolute power, I don't believe Li Zhen can What kind of tricks are you playing?"
Lincoln said, "It's better to be careful."
Powell suddenly said: "Mr. President, Secretary of State, I am ready to resign."
Lincoln and Seward raised their brows, both showing surprise. However, Powell looked firm and said helplessly: "The matters concerning Peter, his wife, and his family, as well as the matter about Hong Yi, have made me physically and mentally exhausted, and it is difficult to hold on." , please forgive me."
Lincoln and Seward tried to persuade them to no avail, and finally agreed with Powell's approach. On that day, the San Francisco government issued an announcement that Powell had resigned due to the incident involving the Peters, his wife, and Hong Yi.
The government re-appointed a new mayor to deal with the affairs of Peter, his wife and Hong Yi.