Maputo, Eastern Suburbs Military Camp, Headquarters Building, Reception Room.

"From the intelligence analysis we have, the one who came to South Africa to provoke this time should be England and Geely joining forces with European military powers." Even if Yi Zhengxing, who is handsome and elegant in appearance, gives people a sense of gentleness and kindness, "It is specifically the joint forces of the two countries, or the three countries, or even more, it is still impossible to determine at present, but one thing is certain, it is aimed at your country's gold mine."

Several European countries jointly sent troops, and Pretorius had already learned from Feng Zicai that Yi Zhengxing could not be sure of it. He couldn't help but feel a little worried. After hesitating, he said: "Your Highness the Crown Prince only brought two brigades to reinforce, are you sure?"

"It's not two brigades, it should be five brigades." Yi Zhengxing corrected: "I brought a large number of weapons and ammunition when I came here... enough to equip the National Welfare Forces of your country's four brigades."

After hearing this, Pretorius was overjoyed. After Transvaal annexed Orange, it established a National Weapon and maintained the strength of four brigades for many years. The weapons were equipped with were the spoils seized from the British army in the last war. He repeatedly proposed to buy the latest weapons of the Qing army, but the Qing Dynasty refused on the grounds of keeping the secret. Unexpectedly, the Qing Dynasty took the initiative to change all the National Weapons this time.

What made him even more at ease was that the Qing Dynasty's move undoubtedly showed that it would not use war to annex Transvaal. To be honest, as the scale of the Transvaal gold mine increased, with the opening of the Maputo-Pertoria railway, all the Transvaal were worried about being annexed by the Qing Dynasty.

He hurriedly said, "Don't worry, your highness, our country will actively cooperate and assist your country in eliminating the enemies that dare to invade our country."

Seeing that he placed Transvaal in a subordinate position, Yi Zhizu smiled and said, "Your Excellency the President, don't worry, our country has signed a security treaty with your country, and any enemy who invades your country is our country's enemy."

After a pause, he continued: "If the enemy lands in Maputo, your country will assist you later. If you land in other places and invade your country, you still hope that your country will declare war immediately and resolutely and boldly fight back. Only in this way can our country send troops to provide a legitimate assistance. In addition, the batch of weapons and ammunition that will aid your country is only the first batch, and there will be a large amount of assistance in the future."

This request is reasonable, and he can also obtain a large number of weapons and ammunition assistance in succession. Pretorius naturally had no objection and agreed immediately. He talked for a while, and then stood up and said goodbye, and followed the quarantine officer happily to receive weapons and ammunition.

After seeing off Pretorius, Feng Zicai directly invited Yi Zhengxing into the office specially prepared for him, right next to the war room.

Yi Zhengxing was not picky about the office, not to mention that Feng Zicai was very considerate of his office. After a little look, Yi Zhengxing said: "It's time for General Feng to bother."

"Your Highness, don't be polite to the general." Feng Zicai said as he made a pot of tea himself and served the tea, he tentatively said: "However, equip the Transvaal National Defense Forces, does it have other meanings?"

"The total population of the Boers is only 200,000, and it is always good to consume more." Yi Zhengxing said slowly: "This time, Germany, France, Austria and Italy jointly sent troops. The total army was 100,000, of which 40,000 German troops. According to the judgment of the General Staff, the landing places are nothing more than the four ports of Cape Town, Elizabeth, East London and Durban. As time goes by, it should be in these few days."

After pondering for a moment, Feng Zicai tentatively said: "Does the prince intend to fight this war?"

"It has this meaning." Yi Zhengxing said first: "Subjectively, the last time I fought with England, Greece, South Africa, has been eight years in a blink of an eye. Fighting a battle can not only achieve the purpose of actual combat training, but also understand the combat power, weapons, equipment, strategies and tactics of European countries through this battle.

Objectively, this battle must be fought. Since you are being missed by the thief, it is better to just let go and fight to achieve ten or twenty years of peace. In addition, you can also use this to weaken the strength of the Boers."

Durban Port.

A huge fleet of black, white and red flags suddenly appeared on the sea surface of Durban Port. The Qing Dynasty may be unfamiliar with this flag, but Europeans are not unfamiliar with it. This is the German flag that defeated and replaced France as the overlord of the European continent.

An armored cruiser in front of the left side of the fleet, the "Surik", suddenly accelerated, drew a beautiful arc on the sea at an astonishing high speed, and quickly drove into the gourd-shaped Durban Bay.

On the bridge of the warship, Frederick Carl held a telescope and looked at a calm bay. Frederick Carl was the nephew of German Emperor William I. He just turned fifty years old. He was a famous German night war general. He became famous in the Fortress of Metz and was known as the "Blood Prince".

The small bay is fully visible and calm, which makes Frederick Carl relieved and feels the pleasure brought by the high-speed driving of the warship. This warship is not German. Germany's main ironclad ship is the "Saxon" class ironclad ship, with a small tonnage and shallow draft. Although it has strong defense and high firepower, it is not suitable for long-distance voyages.

This Surick is a large newly built ocean-going attack ship in England. It is equipped with four 203mm rapid-fire guns and up to 16 152 and 120 rapid-fire guns, with a speed of up to an astonishing 19 knots, which is enough to chase and annihilate any enemy merchant ship or light warship that cruises alone on the ocean. Needless to say, this armored cruiser was specially built against the Qing naval ironclad ship.

Although no torpedoes with practical value were developed, England has made breakthroughs in artillery over the years. The 203mm rapid-fire cannon has a long range, fast shelling, fierce firepower, and super high speed are not only enough to minimize the torpedo threat of the Qing Dynasty iron armored ships, but can even form an overwhelming advantage.

Although his confidence had an overwhelming advantage over the Qing Dynasty's ironclad ships, England did not dare to be arrogant. In eight years, the Qing Dynasty's ironclad ships could not have made any progress. Without knowing the opponent's background, England, which had experienced a heavy blow or a profound lesson, naturally became cautious.

When Germany proposed that warship escort was needed, England took out its latest warship without hesitation, hoping to pass actual combat inspection.

The "Saxon" class ironclad ship is simply not comparable to this armored cruiser. Frederick Carl thought to himself that after returning to China, he must report to the German Emperor and attach importance to naval construction. If Germany wants to compete for overseas colonies, a strong navy is essential! What is the strategic concept of "Germany without a navy is the safest." Let him go to hell.

The port of Durban is just 270 nautical miles south of Maputo. It can be said that it was under the eyes of the Qing army. It was naturally not a whim, but a well-thought decision.

Durban is only 500 kilometers away from the Transvaal gold mine, Johannesburg, and can reach it within ten days. The biggest threat is to be discovered by the Qing Navy, but the Qing squadron in Maputo only has twelve ironclad ships and only four main warships. Even if it is discovered, there is no need to worry with the British Fleet with escort, unless it is encountered by the Qing main fleet, but the Qing main fleet is still in the South China Sea now.

Two days later, Yi Zhengxing of Maputo received the news that the German 40,000 army landed in Durban under the escort of twenty-two ironclad ships.

"The German army actually dared to land under our noses?" Feng Zicai looked shocked and disbelief.

"Be confident!" Yi Zhengxing said in a deep voice: "It seems that the iron-clad ships of Britain and France must have made great progress, and are not afraid of our country's navy, or at least not afraid of the Mozambique fleet." After a pause, he continued: "Where are the other three countries? No news?"

"The four ports of Cape Town, Elizabeth, East London, and Durban have been installed with eyeliners. It should be that the British controlled the cable telegram." Feng Zicai said: "Durban's intelligence was sent by the horse."

Yi Zhengxing vaguely felt that this battle was not easy to fight. He pondered for a moment before he ordered: "Tell me to Shanghai."

Shanghai, Zhennan Wangfu, Changle Bookstore.

Yan Yangtian quickly walked into the room and saluted and reported: "Principal, Maputo called, 40,000 German troops landed in Durban, accompanied by twenty-two ironclad ships, and eight of the main warships of ten thousand tons."

He actually landed from Durban? Yi Zhizu's heart sank. Durban is only 500 kilometers away from Johannesburg. Even if the march is slower, he will be able to arrive in no matter what. Zhao Liewen asked: "There is no news about the Three Kingdoms of France, Austria and Italy?"

"No news." Yan Yangtian said: "According to students' judgment, the three countries of France, Austria and Italy should have landed in Cape Town. After all, there is a railway connecting Kimberley, but the news was blocked." After a pause, he continued: "The German army dared to land in Durban, which is full of confidence. The coalition fleet may have the strength to compete with our fleet."

After pondering for a moment, Yi Zhizu asked: "Where is the main fleet now?"

"Return to the principal." Yan Yangtian said: "I had already left the Sunda Strait the day before yesterday." After a pause, he added: "It will take at least ten days to reach more than 3,000 nautical miles of Maputo."

After lit a cigarette and thought for a while, Yi Zhizu said: "Since the coalition forces are fearless, why don't they land in Maputo?"

Yan Yangtiandao: "Maputo is almost the same as the fortress. If you really want to land in Maputo, you may not be able to afford the loss."

"Also, Mozambique is our territory after all." Zhao Liewen continued: "If the coalition forces directly attack Maputo, if they declare war on our country directly. Last time our country and England fought in South Africa, they were all around Transvaal. None of the two sides declared war, avoiding a lot of trouble. Germany, France, Austria and other countries probably have the same idea."

"It seems that they are unwilling to openly break up with our country." Yi Zhizu said slowly: "Since this is the case, there is no need to worry about Maputo. The Transvaal Defense Force sent cavalry to guerrillas, harass the German rear route, and delayed the German march speed. He ordered Yi Zhengxing to draw three brigades into Standeton to intercept."

"Is the principal planning to defeat each one?" Yan Yangtian said with some concern: "When the German army has good combat power and the troops have a huge difference in strength, there will be major casualties."

"It's too early to talk about defeating each other." Yi Zhizu said: "You must find out the situation of the other three-national coalition forces as soon as possible. If you guess well, the purpose of the German army should be to restrain our army so that the other three-national coalition forces can attack Johannesburg..."

Before he finished speaking, a secretary quickly came in to report: "Mr. Wittoma, the Minister of the British to China, was seeking a meeting."

"Please come in." Yi Zhizu ordered, then smiled and said, "It's just right here, just to get some information from him."

Zhao Liewen said angrily: "English said he would not participate in the war, but he also allowed the coalition forces to land in from its colony and march straight into it. What's the difference between this and participating in the war?"

Yan Yangtian continued: "Most of the escort warships are affiliated with the British Navy fleet."

"There is no need to be serious. Just know what's going on." Yi Zhizu waved his hand unconsciously. "The combat power of the British Iron Crafts should have been greatly improved, but he is still afraid of our country. I guess he wants to take this opportunity to explore the reality and the truth, and as he wishes."

Weituoma quickly walked into the room and shook hands with the three of them one by one and greeted each other, and then smiled and said, "

Today I came here to tell His Highness a special trip to tell His Highness the good news that both the Atlantic Undersea Telegram and the Constantinople's cable telegram have been restored."

"Oh, this is really good news." Yi Zhizu smiled and said, "I will order them to restore the cable telegram as soon as possible."

Zhao Liewen said bluntly: "I just received a call from Maputo. Forty thousand German troops landed in Durban. Does Durban belong to your country in the Natal District of South Africa?"

"Is this actually happening?" Witoma was shocked, "Do Germany dared to invade our territory in South Africa without authorization?"

Seeing his expression, Yi Shizuo couldn't help but smile bitterly. It seemed that it was impossible to get some information from this guy. However, Vitoma continued: "Durban is not far from Maputo. The German army is so bold that they dare to land in Durban?"

"I hope your country can give a reasonable explanation." Yi Zhizu said slowly: "Otherwise, our country has reason to believe that your country has also participated in this immoral war."

"I would like to ask Your Highness to resume telecommunications communication with Europe as soon as possible." Weituoma Yi said righteously: "I will tell Your Highness your attitude truthfully to the country, and I believe that the country will give Your Highness a satisfactory reply."

This guy is just a snake-killing stick. Yi Zhizu will not restore external wired telegram communications as soon as possible. The Qing Dynasty could obtain urgently needed information from Russia. He wanted to continue to maintain this advantage. He was also out of the mood to waste his words with the other party. After a few perfunctory words, he sent Vitoma away.

After waiting for Vitoma to withdraw, Zhao Liewencai said: "The English people are eager to understand the financial and economic situation in our country..."
Chapter completed!