Seward grimaced and said seriously: "Since the founding of the United States in 1776, nothing like today's incident has ever happened. A small incident actually pushed the government to oppose the people and turned the government into something that everyone shouts about. Even though Li Zhen does not admit that he wrote this article, we all know that only Li Zhen can do it."
Seward lamented: "Li Zhen single-handedly isolated the government with amazing methods. Mr. President, if this matter is not resolved, the United States will face big problems. You may even face the possibility of stepping down as soon as you are elected president." Danger."
He said with a depressed expression: "The current solution is to release Hong Yi."
"I lost. I lost completely. I even lost my pants."
After finishing speaking, Siward's body suddenly became limp, as if all the energy in his body had been drained.
Lincoln was also very frustrated and sighed: "The great thing about Li Zhen is that he put Hong Yi's matter on the most sensitive matter in the United States. At present, the matter of black slaves is the most sensitive, and Li Zhen used black people to make a fuss. Elevating a small matter to the level of a national event has caused us huge trouble."
"I have to say that Li Zhen's hand is quite beautiful and can be called a stroke of genius."
"At the beginning, I didn't see Li Zhen's foreshadowing, but the plan was gradually implemented. Now it suddenly dawns on me and I have figured it out, but there is no solution."
At this point, Lincoln changed his subject and his tone became slightly joyful, saying: "Although the Hongyi incident was a bad thing for the San Francisco government, and we lost face to Li Zhen because of it, but From another perspective, this incident undoubtedly lit a fuse, which was beneficial to our liberation of slaves."
"What trigger?"
Siward looked weak and confused.
Lincoln said: "We want to abolish slavery and free black people from their status as slaves, but one of Li Zhen's articles closely follows the current situation of black people. He made an article about black people, which is in line with our major policy of liberating slaves. What do you think? "
Siward was refreshed, straightened his back, and said with a smile: "Yes, why didn't I think of that?"
His depressed look disappeared and he suddenly became energetic.
Siward stood up, paced back and forth in the room, his mood gradually improved, and said with a smile: "Since the Hong Yi incident was helpful in liberating the slaves, it doesn't matter if we lose to Li Zhen, even if Hong Yi is released, a I think it's worth it for a small Hongyi, in exchange for a great opportunity to liberate the slaves. Mr. President, I think we should return to Washington as soon as possible and invite the governors of each state to discuss the matter of slaves. This is a great opportunity and must be Get a grip."
Lincoln's mouth twitched, thinking that you are really thick-skinned.
In the blink of an eye, his tone changed.
The speed at which he loses his face is comparable to the speed at which a chameleon changes color.
Lincoln slandered Seward in his heart, but he also had to admit the reality. Under the current situation, only by releasing Hong Yi and making Li Zhen stop inciting black people can the incident be gradually calmed down. Lincoln thought for a while and said: "Since Mr. Seward agreed to release Hong Yi, and I immediately sent someone to ask Li Zhenlai to discuss the matter and calm down the incident."
"Well, hurry up."
Siward rubbed his hands, like a child who has been given a toy.
Lincoln sent soldiers to invite Li Zhen. Not long after, the soldier came back frustrated. Li Zhen did not see Li Zhen. He had a bad feeling in his heart and asked, "Where is Li Zhen?"
Seward said hurriedly: "Yes, where is President Lee?"
The soldier shook his head and replied helplessly: "I told Mr. President about his invitation to President Li to discuss the matter, but President Li said that both of you should go because of circumstances and reason. Otherwise, this matter will be difficult to resolve. It’s also difficult to quell public anger.”
"Snapped,."
Siward slapped his hand on the table, furious.
This Li Zhen is too arrogant.
Lincoln changed his mind and said: "At this point, Li Zhen has the advantage. It doesn't matter if we come to apologize. As long as it is beneficial to the United States, it doesn't matter even if I kowtow to Li Zhen. Let's go."
Siward was indignant and had no good impression of Li Zhen.
The two got up and left. They walked less than a hundred meters away from their residence and then retreated because there were people blocking the road outside their residence. As soon as they went out, they were chased and intercepted by the people. It was difficult to move forward. Unless Lincoln used the army, but once After the use of force, the nature of the matter will change fundamentally. At that time, Lincoln and Seward will be unable to argue, and the situation will really be difficult to recover.
Lincoln and Seward returned to their residence in embarrassment. Seward said: "We can't get out, what should we do?"
Lincoln said, "Go after dark."
Siward shook his head and said: "Let the soldiers try it again, the soldiers will not be affected."
Lincoln did not encounter any obstruction and allowed Seward to tell the soldiers to do what they asked. Soon, the soldiers got up and left to invite Li Zhen over. But in the end, Seward was still disappointed because the soldiers returned without success again. De did not ask the reason and waited for dark. During such a long wait, every minute and second was extremely painful. Siward endured until dark and finally cheered up.
The group left quietly and headed towards Chinatown in the dark.
When they arrived at Dading Restaurant, the soldiers went to pass the news.
Huang Qiang came out to greet him personally and led Lincoln and Seward to the backyard. Seward entered the backyard and saw that Powell was there too. There was an unpleasant look on his face and asked: "Powell, this is President Lee's residence. What are you doing?" Here." He thought it was inappropriate for Powell, as the former mayor of San Francisco, to stay at Li Zhen's residence until dark.
Powell smiled and said: "I'm here to visit President Lee, can't I?"
Seward snorted and stopped talking to Powell.
After he and Lincoln sat down, his eyes fell on Li Zhen again, and he said with a smile: "President Li is really difficult to invite. I sent soldiers to invite him twice, but President Li was unmoved."
Lincoln frowned, he was here for peace talks, why did he start provoking again?
Li Zhen's expression remained unchanged and he said with a smile: "Didn't the soldier make it clear when he went back to report the news? I remember that he made it very clear at that time. Regarding Hong Yi, both of them should come to see me, both emotionally and rationally. , if I go to see you, this matter will not be properly resolved. I am doing this for the two of you and for the United States. Whether you believe it or not, I think so."
The corners of Siward's mouth turned up, and he said with a smile: "It's a lot of nonsense."
Lincoln frowned, quickly smoothed things over, and said with a smile: "President Lee, Mr. Seward is a straightforward person, and his words are a bit straightforward. Don't take it to heart. Please bear with me. We are here with sincerity this time." Come."
Li Zhen nodded and said: "Since Mr. Siward wants to know the reason, it doesn't hurt if I explain it."