บท 123: Chapter 124: [The Barbarian’s Answer]
The two had obviously known each other for a long time and were old acquaintances, so after meeting, they first chatted about many trivial matters in life and asked about each other's well-being.
"How is your son doing lately?" Amijo took a sip of the wine in his glass, and the two of them talked about their children.
Magoffin said: "I sent them to Lexington to study. I hope they can become lawyers in the future, especially Joseph. I even think he has the talent for politics."
"Talent for politics?" Amijo didn't know what talent was needed for politics.
Magofin curled his lips and said, "I mean, that kid has been good at lying since he was a child."
Armijo laughed and swirled his glass. "Haha, that's true. But I have to say, being in politics is more than just lying."
"Of course, being in politics requires being well-informed, adaptable and aware of the times." Magofin changed the subject, "In fact, Armijo, I am not here to do business this time."
Amijo seemed to have anticipated something, so he stopped shaking the wine glass and waited for what was to come.
"Stephen Kearney's army is coming." Magoffin lowered his voice, "And there are a lot of them. Almost all of Fort Leavenworth has come out, and they have also captured a group of Mormons. Kearney has about 5,000 men in total, and they will soon attack Santa Fe."
"Five thousand people!" Amijo was shocked. "Are you sure?"
Magofin nodded solemnly: "I saw it with my own eyes. Not only are they numerous, but they are also well-equipped with many advanced new weapons."
Amijo frowned, a look of worry lingering on his face.
Magofin was not surprised at his reaction and even chuckled in his heart in advance.
After all, the governor's most famous act was probably being scared off a few years ago by a Texas army 140 miles away that was less than half his size.
Armijo also won some victories, but as an old friend, Magofin knew that those victories were not commanded by Armijo himself.
"Santa Fe wasn't their only goal, or even their first goal," Magoffin continued. "I don't know if you remember what Polk's campaign goal was."
"This American president, who works eighteen hours a day and is almost an ascetic, regards California as one of his most important work goals. In this war, Polk's army will sweep across the entire West, from New Mexico to California, and he is determined to take all the territory."
After a pause, Magoffin continued, "But you know I have some connections in Washington, and I got you an opportunity."
"what chance?"
Magoffin: "As long as you are willing to give up resistance and surrender Santa Fe and New Mexico peacefully, Kearny's army will not harm you, nor will they massacre or plunder the city of Santa Fe."
"Not only that, you will also receive a bonus of $30,000 in recognition of your contribution to peace."
Thirty thousand dollars!
Amijo is an outstanding corrupt official.
Despite this, it was still a number that made him excited.
Magofin noticed his expression and continued, "Think about it. Mexico has no chance of fighting the United States. The destiny is clear. The vast fertile land should belong to America. Why do you have to engage in a meaningless resistance?"
"If you surrender Santa Fe peacefully, it will benefit you and relieve the suffering of the Mexican people. You will still be the governor, and the country will be safe and the people will be happy. Isn't that wonderful?"
When he said the last sentence, Magoffin spoke in a graceful and gentle tone and spread out his hands.
Amijo was not a determined person, at least not when it came to struggle.
So, with Magofin's kind words, his heart was quickly shaken, like quickly melting butter.
"Bang!" However, at this moment, three young men suddenly pushed the door open. It was Amijo's nephew Manuel Chavez, and Colonel Archuleta was among them.
"Uncle, I heard that an American is here?" Chavez's voice sounded at the same time as the door was pushed open.
Then as he entered the room, he saw Magoffin and his eyes narrowed: "It's you, Mr. James Magoffin."
"Oh, Chavez, long time no see." Magofin quickly stood up, forced a smile, tried to make himself look as natural as possible, and prepared for a warm hug.
Chavez, however, looked stern and pushed him away: "The United States and Mexico have declared war on each other. We are now enemies!"
Armijo frowned and said, "Chavez, Magofin is our old friend. You are being very unkind."
"I don't care about inhumanity." Chavez blurted out, and then walked in front of Armijo, "Uncle, don't tell me you were talking about surrender just now."
Armijo was silent.
The answer is obvious.
Chavez was not surprised by this, as he knew his uncle's personality.
He turned to look at Magofin again: "Go back and tell your superiors that Santa Fe City will not surrender, we will resist to the end!"
Magofin hesitated: "Chavez, this is not a question of surrender or resistance. I think we should pay more attention to casualties. You should know that the power of the United States is far greater than that of Mexico-"
Chavez raised his hand and interrupted him: "I know what you want to say. Maybe the United States does have a great chance of winning, but even if I am doomed to fail, I will not surrender without a fight. I am a soldier!"
After a pause, he continued, "Besides, I don't think you have much chance of winning."
Magofin heard a kind of confidence that surprised him, and he couldn't help asking, "Why?"
"Because," Chavez seemed to think for a moment, "because we are the side of justice and civilization."
"Ha!" Magofin really couldn't help it. He thought it was some big deal, but he didn't expect it to be something so stupid.
He felt that even his youngest son, who was less than ten years old, would not say such stupid things.
As a young man, Chavez found this sudden stupidity incomprehensible. When he heard this, he felt like he was choking on water.
"Mr. Chavez, you should grow up and know that this is the most worthless words." Magoffin said, gradually losing his restraint and politeness.
"No matter what the facts are, everyone will claim to be just and civilized. Even the Indians will not admit that they are savages!" he asked. "Tell me, who in this world would say 'I am a savage'? Tell me!"
"But the facts are the facts. A civilization will not become barbaric because it calls itself barbaric, and a barbaric will not become civilized because it calls itself civilized. America is becoming more and more prosperous. This is an indisputable reality and God's will - America is destiny!"
Chavez suddenly pulled a revolver from his waist and pointed it at Magoffin's forehead.
Magofin's brain instantly cooled down, and a layer of fine beads of sweat oozed out of his forehead: "Chavez, calm down. There are some misunderstandings between us. I think we can talk it out."
"No, there is no misunderstanding between us. What you just said is very right." Chavez stared at him, "So I decided to tell you the answer."
"What answer?" Magofin didn't respond.
At the same time, he suddenly focused his eyes and noticed that Chavez seemed to be holding a Browning revolver.
Wait, why is there a Browning revolver here?
Magofin wanted to ask, but unfortunately.
"Bang!" There was a gunshot and the bullet went through his head.
"The answer is - I'm a barbarian!" Chavez said coldly.
Magofin obviously couldn't hear this, and for him, the answer was actually a bullet.
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