98: Chapter 98 Debating with a Group of Confucian Scholars! The Rights of a Sovereign State

The Universal Postal Union Congress was held at the International Convention Center.

The massive circular assembly hall was packed with people, and the flags of over a hundred countries shimmered under the lights.

The seats for the Cyber Freedom Republic were arranged in an inconspicuous corner.

Qin Yue sat upright, her expression unchanged, but her tightly clasped hands betrayed the nervousness in her heart.

After several routine agenda items, the host announced the start of the session for considering the admission of new member states.

"The next item on the agenda: deliberating the application for admission from the Cyber Freedom Republic."

As soon as the host finished speaking, the eyes of the entire hall suddenly turned toward that small corner.

In those gazes, there was curiosity, scrutiny, and even blatant disdain.

According to the procedure, the applicant country would first make a statement.

Qin Yue took a deep breath, straightened her collar, and walked onto the podium with steady steps.

She surveyed the hall and began to speak in clear, standard French:

"Honorable Mr. Chairman, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. Today, I stand here representing a young nation, a nation born in the digital age yet deeply rooted in physical soil—the Cyber Freedom Republic."

Her opening was direct, immediately capturing everyone's attention.

"I know that many of you here are full of questions. Is a country declared online real? Does a place that claims sovereignty but has few people count? Today, I will use facts to answer these questions."

A meticulously produced video began to play on the massive screen behind her.

The footage started with the endless desert of Bir Tawil, zooming in on a winding gravel road that stretched like a vein of civilization into the heart of the desert.

Immediately after, the futuristic, silver-white General Post Office building appeared before everyone in a visually striking manner.

"This is our General Post Office. It is located at the core of our territory and was designed and built entirely according to the highest standards of the Universal Postal Union. It possesses an independent power system, a water recycling system, and a globally networked communication system. It can, and is ready to, handle mail from any corner of the world."

The scene shifted, showing the busy figures of a hundred Pioneer on the construction site and scenes of their life in the dormitories, presented one after another.

"These are our first batch of permanent residents. They are engineers and technicians; they are the guardians of this country. They have turned Bir Tawil from a geographical term into a true home."

Finally, the image froze on countries in West Africa, showing the smiling faces of children as they unloaded boxes of medicine from transport planes emblazoned with the national emblem of the Cyber Republic.

"We are a small nation, but we are willing to take on responsibility. When our neighbors suffered, we gave everything we had. Because we believe that postal services connect not just geography, but human hearts. We long to join this family and work together with all of you for a closer and more benevolent world."

Qin Yue's speech ended.

There were no slogans, only a calm statement and a sincere appeal.

A round of polite applause broke out in the hall.

Next came the session for objections and questioning.

The American representative, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes, was the first to pick up the microphone.

"I thank this beautiful lady for her wonderful speech and touching video," he said with a forced smile. "However, no matter how well the video is filmed, it cannot hide one basic fact: You are not a nation in the true sense."

He stood up, his voice loud:

"You have not received widespread recognition from the international community. Your citizens are paid workers, and your territory is a desert where not even grass grows! Admitting such an entity is an insult to our organization, which has a long history of over 140 years! This would set a dangerous precedent. In the future, could any wealthy person buy a piece of land online, declare themselves a country, and demand to join us?"

His words were sharp and biting, causing quite a stir.

The Japanese representative followed immediately, speaking in a sarcastic tone: "We express serious concern regarding the so-called level of civilization in your law enforcement. As far as we know, not long ago, your side treated a citizen of our country—who merely wanted to visit your territory—in a very... er, physical manner. It is hard for us to believe that such a crude regime can abide by international rules."

For a time, various doubts and attacks emerged one after another.

Qin Yue stood quietly on the stage, listening to all the challenges.

Only when no one else spoke did she pick up the microphone again.

"I thank the delegates for the questions raised," her voice remained just as calm. "Now, I will respond to them one by one."

She first looked at the American representative.

"Regarding widespread recognition. I would like to ask the honorable representative of the United States: what is the definition of 'widespread'? Is it being recognized by a superpower, or being recognized by the majority of countries? We have already established formal diplomatic relations with thirteen sovereign states, and this number is increasing every day. We believe that friends are won through sincerity, not pressure."

"Regarding citizens. I would like to say that the beginning of any nation consists of Pioneer and builders. It is only natural for my citizens to receive compensation for their labor. Does it mean that in your country, citizens do not need to work?"

This rhetorical question caused the American representative's face to darken instantly.

Next, she turned to the Japanese representative.

"Regarding the tourist you mentioned. I think you may need to update your information. Our Supreme Procuratorate has already released all the law enforcement footage. After that gentleman ignored warnings three times and violently charged our border, our police escorted him out while maintaining great restraint. No physical harm was caused to him throughout the process. If that is called crude, then I do not know what gentle methods your country's police would use when facing illegal intruders?"

Qin Yue's logic was clear, and her words were firm but polite, returning all the attacks intact and even doubled.

The atmosphere in the conference hall began to become somewhat subtle.

Many countries that had originally intended to just watch the spectacle began to re-evaluate this young nation from the East.

They realized that this country seemed like it wasn't one to be trifled with.

Finally, Qin Yue raised her voice, her gaze sweeping across the hall.

"Ladies and gentlemen. What we are discussing today is a very simple technical issue. Does the Cyber Freedom Republic have the capability to fulfill the obligations of a member of the Universal Postal Union? My answer is: we do! We have advanced infrastructure, a professional team, and the will and determination to serve the globe!"

"Please set aside prejudice, return to common sense, and cast your fair vote. Thank you, everyone."

After speaking, she bowed slightly and stepped down from the podium.

As she returned to her seat, the Egyptian representative, a highly respected veteran diplomat, stood up.

"Mr. Chairman, on behalf of the Arab Republic of Egypt and all brotherly nations of the African Union, I formally propose that we should immediately vote on the application for admission of the Cyber Freedom Republic. We believe the facts are already very clear, and there is no need for endless debate!"

The chairman looked over the hall and finally struck the gavel.

"The proposal of the Egyptian representative is accepted. Now, the voting begins!"

The voting interface lit up on the large screen.

In favor, against, abstain.

Qin Yue's heart suddenly leapt into her throat.

She knew the moment that would decide their fate had arrived.